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Xu Y, Wang Z, Pei B, Wang J, Xue Y, Zhao G. DNA methylation markers in esophageal cancer. Front Genet 2024; 15:1354195. [PMID: 38774285 PMCID: PMC11106492 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1354195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal cancer (EC) is a prevalent malignancy characterized by a low 5-year survival rate, primarily attributed to delayed diagnosis and limited therapeutic options. Currently, early detection of EC heavily relies on endoscopy and pathological examination, which pose challenges due to their invasiveness and high costs, leading to low patient compliance. The detection of DNA methylation offers a non-endoscopic, cost-effective, and secure approach that holds promising prospects for early EC detection. Methods To identify improved methylation markers for early EC detection, we conducted a comprehensive review of relevant literature, summarized the performance of DNA methylation markers based on different input samples and analytical methods in EC early detection and screening. Findings This review reveals that blood cell free DNA methylation-based method is an effective non-invasive method for early detection of EC, although there is still a need to improve its sensitivity and specificity. Another highly sensitive and specific non-endoscopic approach for early detection of EC is the esophageal exfoliated cells based-DNA methylation analysis. However, while there are substantial studies in esophageal adenocarcinoma, further more validation is required in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion In conclusion, DNA methylation detection holds significant potential as an early detection and screening technology for EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongle Xu
- Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Xuzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bing Pei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suqian First People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China
| | - Ying Xue
- Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guodong Zhao
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, China
- Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
- ZJUT Yinhu Research Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Chen M, Gao Y, Cao H, Wang Z, Zhang S. Comprehensive analysis reveals dual biological function roles of EpCAM in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23505. [PMID: 38187284 PMCID: PMC10767389 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a well-established marker for circulating tumor cells, plays a crucial role in the complex process of cancer metastasis. The primary objective of this investigation is to study EpCAM expression in pan-cancer and elucidate its significance in the context of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Methods Data obtained from the public database was harnessed for the comprehensive assessment of the EpCAM expression levels and prognostic and clinicopathological correlations in thirty-three types of cancer. EpCAM was validated in our own KIRC sequencing and immunohistochemical cohorts. Subsequently, an in-depth exploration was conducted to scrutinize the interrelationship between EpCAM and various facets, including immune cells, immune checkpoints, and chemotherapy drugs. We employed Cox regression analysis to identify prognostic immunomodulators associated with EpCAM, which were subsequently utilized in the development of a prognostic model. The model was validated in our own clinical cohort and public datasets, and compared with 137 published models. The role of EpCAM in KIRC was explored by biological function experiments in vitro. Results While EpCAM exhibited pronounced overexpression across a wide spectrum of cancer types, a notable reduction was observed in KIRC tissues. As grade increased, EpCAM expression decreased. EpCAM expression decreased in patients without metastasis. EpCAM mRNA and protein levels were used as independent, favorable prognostic factors in patients with KIRC in our own cohort. The expression of EpCAM exhibited strong associations with immune-related pathways, demonstrating an inverse correlation with the majority of immune cell types. Immune checkpoint inhibitors exert better therapeutic effects on patients with low EpCAM expression. In addition, EpCAM can be used as a drug resistance indicator and guide the clinical medication of patients with KIRC. A robust model, which had good predictive accuracy and applicability, showed significant superiority over other models. Importantly, EpCAM played the dual roles of promoting proliferation and resisting metastasis in KIRC. Conclusion In the context of KIRC, EpCAM assumes a surprising dual role, where it not only facilitates cell proliferation but also exerts resistance against the metastatic process. EpCAM serves as a standalone prognostic marker for patients with KIRC, and related models can also effectively predict prognosis. These discoveries offer novel perspectives on the functional significance of EpCAM in the context of KIRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Chen
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Yuanhui Gao
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Zhenting Wang
- Urology, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
| | - Shufang Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, 570208, China
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3
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Gostomczyk K, Marsool MDM, Tayyab H, Pandey A, Borowczak J, Macome F, Chacon J, Dave T, Maniewski M, Szylberg Ł. Targeting circulating tumor cells to prevent metastases. Hum Cell 2024; 37:101-120. [PMID: 37874534 PMCID: PMC10764589 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that detach from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream or body fluids, and spread to other body parts, leading to metastasis. Their presence and characteristics have been linked to cancer progression and poor prognosis in different types of cancer. Analyzing CTCs can offer valuable information about tumors' genetic and molecular diversity, which is crucial for personalized therapy. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), play a significant role in generating and disseminating CTCs. Certain proteins, such as EpCAM, vimentin, CD44, and TGM2, are vital in regulating EMT and MET and could be potential targets for therapies to prevent metastasis and serve as detection markers. Several devices, methods, and protocols have been developed for detecting CTCs with various applications. CTCs interact with different components of the tumor microenvironment. The interactions between CTCs and tumor-associated macrophages promote local inflammation and allow the cancer cells to evade the immune system, facilitating their attachment and invasion of distant metastatic sites. Consequently, targeting and eliminating CTCs hold promise in preventing metastasis and improving patient outcomes. Various approaches are being explored to reduce the volume of CTCs. By investigating and discussing targeted therapies, new insights can be gained into their potential effectiveness in inhibiting the spread of CTCs and thereby reducing metastasis. The development of such treatments offers great potential for enhancing patient outcomes and halting disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Gostomczyk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
- University Hospital No. 2 Im. Dr Jan Biziel, Ujejskiego 75, 85-168, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | | | | | | | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Facundo Macome
- Universidad del Norte Santo Tomás de Aquino, San Miquel de Tucuman, Argentina
| | - Jose Chacon
- American University of Integrative Sciences, Cole Bay, Saint Martin, Barbados
| | - Tirth Dave
- Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - Mateusz Maniewski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre, Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Chair of Pathology, Dr Jan Biziel Memorial University Hospital No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Kocheise L, Schoenlein M, Behrends B, Joerg V, Casar C, Fruendt TW, Renné T, Heumann A, Li J, Huber S, Lohse AW, Pantel K, Riethdorf S, Wege H, Schulze K, von Felden J. EpCAM-positive circulating tumor cells and serum AFP levels predict outcome after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20827. [PMID: 38012205 PMCID: PMC10682153 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high recurrence rates exceeding 50% despite curative resection. The serum biomarker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-known prognostic marker for HCC. EpCAM-positive circulating tumor cells (CTC) have a high predictive value for early HCC recurrence after curatively intended resection, most likely indicating micro-metastases at the time of resection. However, sensitivity remains low. The objective of this study was to evaluate a composite test comprising both CTC and AFP to identify patients at high risk for early HCC recurrence. We prospectively enrolled 58 patients undergoing curative intended resection for HCC at a tertiary referral center. Blood specimens were obtained prior to resection and analyzed for EpCAM-positive CTC and serum AFP levels. A positive result was defined as either detection of CTC or AFP levels ≥ 400 ng/ml. Eight patients tested positive for CTC, seven for AFP, and two for both markers. A positive composite test was significantly associated with shorter early recurrence-free survival (5 vs. 16 months, p = 0.005), time to recurrence (5 vs. 16 months, p = 0.011), and overall survival (37 vs. not reached, p = 0.034). Combining CTC and AFP identified patients with poor outcome after surgical resection, for whom adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapies may be particularly desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Kocheise
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schoenlein
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Berit Behrends
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Vincent Joerg
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Casar
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorben W Fruendt
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Renné
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Asmus Heumann
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jun Li
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Huber
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riethdorf
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henning Wege
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Cancer Center Esslingen, Klinikum Esslingen, Esslingen, Germany
| | - Kornelius Schulze
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johann von Felden
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Chida K, Oshi M, Roy AM, Yachi T, Nara M, Yamada K, Matsuura O, Hashizume T, Endo I, Takabe K. E2F target score is associated with cell proliferation and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Surgery 2023; 174:307-314. [PMID: 37198038 PMCID: PMC10524872 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND E2F target genes are essential for the cell cycle. A score that quantifies its activity is expected to reflect the aggressiveness and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS Cohorts of hepatocellular carcinoma patients (total n = 655) from The Cancer Genome Atlas, GSE89377, GSE76427, and GSE6764 were analyzed. The cohorts were divided into high versus low by the median. RESULTS All the Hallmark cell proliferation-related gene sets were consistently enriched in hepatocellular carcinoma with high E2F targets score, and E2F score was associated with grade, tumor size, American Joint Committee on Cancer staging, proliferation score, and MKI67 expression, as well as with less abundance of hepatocytes and stromal cells. E2F targets enriched DNA repair, mTORC1 signaling, glycolysis, and unfolded protein response gene sets and were significantly associated with the higher intratumoral genomic heterogeneity, homologous recombination deficiency, and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, there was no relationship between E2F targets and mutation rates or neoantigens. High E2F hepatocellular carcinoma did not enrich any of the immune-response-related gene sets but was associated with high infiltration of Th1, Th2 cells, and M2 macrophage; however, there was no difference in cytolytic activity. In both early (I and II) and late (III and IV) stages of hepatocellular carcinoma, a high E2F score was associated with worse survival and was an independent prognostic factor for overall and disease-specific survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION The E2F target score, associated with cancer aggressiveness and worse survival, could be used as a prognostic biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Chida
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY; Department of Surgery, Mutsu General Hospital, Aomori, Japan. http://www.twitter.com/koheichida1
| | - Masanori Oshi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Arya Mariam Roy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
| | - Takafumi Yachi
- Department of Surgery, Mutsu General Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | - Masaki Nara
- Department of Surgery, Mutsu General Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kyogo Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Mutsu General Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | - Osamu Matsuura
- Department of Surgery, Mutsu General Hospital, Aomori, Japan
| | | | - Itaru Endo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, NY; Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Tokyo Medical University, Japan; Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan; Department of Breast Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan; Department of Breast Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY.
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6
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David P, Mittelstädt A, Kouhestani D, Anthuber A, Kahlert C, Sohn K, Weber GF. Current Applications of Liquid Biopsy in Gastrointestinal Cancer Disease-From Early Cancer Detection to Individualized Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071924. [PMID: 37046585 PMCID: PMC10093361 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for a significant amount of cancer-related mortality. Tests that allow an early diagnosis could lead to an improvement in patient survival. Liquid biopsies (LBs) due to their non-invasive nature as well as low risk are the current focus of cancer research and could be a promising tool for early cancer detection. LB involves the sampling of any biological fluid (e.g., blood, urine, saliva) to enrich and analyze the tumor's biological material. LBs can detect tumor-associated components such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These components can reflect the status of the disease and can facilitate clinical decisions. LBs offer a unique and new way to assess cancers at all stages of treatment, from cancer screenings to prognosis to management of multidisciplinary therapies. In this review, we will provide insights into the current status of the various types of LBs enabling early detection and monitoring of GI cancers and their use in in vitro diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul David
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anke Mittelstädt
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dina Kouhestani
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Anthuber
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kahlert
- Department of Surgery, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kai Sohn
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Georg F Weber
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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